Carpinteria council approves raise in tenant relocation assistance to $6,750
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Summary
The City Council approved a staff recommendation to raise relocation assistance for tenants displaced through no fault of their own to $6,750 (or two months’ rent, whichever is greater), citing inflation and neighboring-jurisdiction practices; the measure passed on a recorded vote.
City staff recommended and the Carpinteria City Council approved an increase in the one‑time relocation assistance paid to tenants dislocated through no fault of their own. Staff recommended raising the amount to $6,750 or two months’ rent — whichever is greater — to better reflect current rent levels and the regional housing market.
Staff framed the change as an annual review of a previous policy: the council referenced an earlier emergency ordinance and a 2024 resolution that originally set the policy and two‑month formula. Staff said the increase used a combination of measures — the California consumer price index and allowable state rental adjustments — to reach the new figure and suggested a smaller annual adjustment in subsequent years to smooth the increase.
During the public comment period, residents asked for concrete examples of what qualifies as a no‑fault displacement; staff clarified the code provisions (Chapter 7.04 and the city’s tenant‑assistance rules) and explained that eligible tenants receive written notice in pre‑eviction communications and are paid within 15 days of the notice if they qualify.
Council then moved and approved the resolution setting the relocation payment at $6,750 or two months’ rent (clerk recorded the motion as carried 'all in favor'). The adopted change will be reflected in the municipal code and staff said the city will publish guidance to inform tenants and property owners of the eligibility criteria and payment process.
